worried about christmas

DeeDe

Here we go again, So much stress about so called Christmas
Just wondering who knows who this Santa Claus really is we lie to our children about, then tell them off for lying
…the man in the red outfit who likes dropping into a (fire) place
Do some research check out Dear sweet old Santa
Also Known as St Nick … old Nick
Turn the letters round Satan

Who teaches children to want and makes the lonely even lonelier and the poor even poorer and puts some parents in debt for months … Ho ho ho ! More Oh oh Oh
We’re brainwashed from babies in arms
We’re off abroad with our family .. Hee Hee Hee
Have fun !

How vile!!!
The op is bereaved, it is her first Christmas without her husband.
Shame on you.

I always think of money as the voucher that you can spend anywhere. We were given vouchers for meals at a smart restaurant and a local pub Xmas 2019. Haven't been able to use because of Covid/health issues and starting to think that we never will. I gave my DD a spa voucher, she couldn't use it 2020 and now even the extension and worn out. 5% of vouchers are never redeemed, so I would go for cash. If you are not happy with that then sit down with a pen and paper and write a list of names. Then spend a few minutes thinking what they would like. Gifting is much easier when you have a plan.

Some people sound very arrogant on this thread and is unnecessary especially as the Op has been bereaved !
Oh whoopee we are going abroad said one of you! How selfish and thoughtless can you be ? Not acceptable !

Dine in for 2 from M&S if appropriate !
Nail or foot vouchers ! Favourite restaurant / tea room ones!
Turkish baths at Harrogate treat!
OR suggest a secret Santa with a limit in value! You choose who buys for who as that would be fun for you! OR a limit of £5 per gift and that is great fun !

Just ask them what they want within your budget!! No need to get stressed about it! And if there are items missing from shops, money is usually welcome.

This year we are asking our AC to make a donation to a charity of our choice as their gift to us. We'll suggest a few charities for them to choose from and to only give what they can comfortably afford. We don't want to know how much.

If they would like us to do the same in return we will. But we will still give gifts to the grandchildren. It could save everyone a lot of worry (and money) and traipsing around shops, and hopefully help other people at the same time. And perhaps set a good example for our GC.

Wow DeeDe. What a horrible post to a recently bereaved person who is just asking for a little advice.
You do know that Christmas is celebrated ‘abroad’ too don’t you? Unless of course you are going to a caliphate country, good luck with that.
One of the greatest joys is going to church on Christmas morning and seeing the beautiful smiles on the children’s faces. The Priest at my church turned from the alter at the end of mass, pressed a button and the front of his surplice lit up with twinkling lights. If the priest has no problem with a bit of commercialism why should we berate others for wanting a bit of sparkle and fun.

My first Christmas as a widow is still a numb blur, and I just gave my young adult kids (20 and 22 at the time) money to buy themselves something in the sales. I agree with Quilty and wouldn't risk buying vouchers. I didn't send any Christmas cards that year, I couldn't sign them as just me. Be very kind to yourself travelsafar, it's not just missing your partner, it is what they are missing.

In the present economic climate steer clear of vouchers!!!

www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-origin

Here we go again, So much stress about so called Christmas
Just wondering who knows who this Santa Claus really is we lie to our children about, then tell them off for lying
…the man in the red outfit who likes dropping into a (fire) place
Do some research check out Dear sweet old Santa
Also Known as St Nick … old Nick
Turn the letters round Satan

Who teaches children to want and makes the lonely even lonelier and the poor even poorer and puts some parents in debt for months … Ho ho ho ! More Oh oh Oh
We’re brainwashed from babies in arms
We’re off abroad with our family .. Hee Hee Hee
Have fun !

Last year I bought everyone boxes filled with things they liked from a favourite shop. They were great for the post as well, no faffing about wrapping awkward shapes just popped them in brown paper and off they went. Each box contained things my children liked and the ones for youngsters were great as well.

Maybe a voucher for a family meal or a pantomime. I love to get Love to Shop vouchers as I can spend in different shops.

A really easy but unusual gift for absolutely everyone? A newspaper dated the day they were born! You can order them on line. They come in a box, nicely packaged. Google 'historic newspapers'. Then on Christmas day everyone can compare world events from the biggest world event - the day they were born!

Go with vouchers or money. The first Christmas is so hard and people will understand.

Sawsage2

I wouldn't give vouchers as, if the shop/business goes bust, the vouchers would be worthless. Cash would be better.

I agree. I’d rather have cash to if it was me.

Hey travelsafar, Don't worry - your family seem to be very loving and caring. They realise you need cheering up, and they value you. I think they'll be more than happy just to be in your company. You are their greatest gift. Just sparkle!

Over the years Christmas has become too materialistic for my liking, the GC expect expensive gifts which they have seen advertised on TV

I have always maintained that their birthdays are the special day and that’s the day they get a lovely gift, a smaller value gift given at Christmas.

Sorry to be so negative, I am in no way a grinch but want to pull back on the commercialism.

Experience vouchers. Theatre tickets, event tickets, balloon rides? But ask them first.

Why not just ask them ?
I think nowadays, the main problem is that if any of our AC want anything, they just go and buy it themselves!
I think many would just be happy with a large tin of chocolates or a cheeseboard if they like that or basically a bit of luxury!
Why not just buy everyone the same thing? Slippers? Fleecy blankets in various colours or a fleecy hoodie? You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money and many things are now one size - the fleecy items may come in handy for everyone over the coming months to cut down on energy costs and for younger family members, a gift card for somewhere like Amazon or Argos is usually a good bet!

Recycled wool blankets. We’re all going to have to turn the heating down and they’re nice things.

I wouldn't give vouchers as, if the shop/business goes bust, the vouchers would be worthless. Cash would be better.

Just give them love.
Tell them you not buying presents but donations to a food bank.
Might be a relief all round

I had hampers delivered from Aldi - fabulous and well appreciated

I'm with Philippa111 about charity gifts. Last year I bought a years sponsorship of a Peregrine Falcon at the Kielder Birds of Prey Centre for my Brother in Law, who loves Birds of Prey, and due to Covid Restrictions, a lot of charities and Visitor Attractions have suffered. The Bird of Prey Centre send a Certificate and photo, also put up a plaque at the Centre.